2026 Friend of NACAT Award: Curt Ward
NACAT News | Published on 8/7/2026
NACAT President Ed Martin presented the 2026 Friend of NACAT Award to Curt Ward at the recently concluded Autmotive Educator Conference, hosted by NACAT in partnership with California Automotive Teachers, in Sacramento, California.
Ward is a professor at Joliet Junior College and an author for Pearson.
Martin stated, "The Friend of NACAT Award recognizes a partner who has provided exceptional support to NACAT. While this is always a tough choice since we have so many outstanding and dedicated supporters, this year's honoree stands out for his generosity and commitment." He further declared, "This individual has a history of devotion to NACAT, as he has helped the organization through many transitions. He volunteers to write the Hybrid & Electic Vehicle Corner in each issue of NACAT News, has been an ever-present with the AEC Roundtables, and consistently gives back to the organization and any member who asks. He is truly a great friend to the organization and its membership. We are proud to name Curt Ward the 2026 Friend of NACAT."
The Friend of NACAT has been previously awarded to the late Fred Hines and ATech Training (2007), Cengage (2008), Mitchell 1 (2009), Snap-On (2010), MACS (2011), Gates (2012), ConsuLab (2013), CDX (2014), ACDC Hybrid/EV Training (2015), the late Bob Chabot (2018), Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (2019), James Curry (2022), Heather Sebben and Hamilton & Associates (2023), ConsuLab (2024)as well as Tomorrow’s Tech (2025).
Congratulations, Curt!